Inhibitors for GlyT-1

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compounds of formula I  
                 
wherein 
 
R 1 , R 2 , 
 
R 3 , 
 
R 4 , and 
X are as defined herein or to pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, with the exception of 4-methoxy-N-[2-oxo-2-(phenylamino)ethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-[2-[5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-benzamide, 4-methyl-N-[2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide, N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-methyl-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide and N-[2-[(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-benzeneacetamide. The compounds are useful in the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

PRIORITY TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 06119758.8, filed Aug. 30, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Schizophrenia is a progressive and devastating neurological disease characterized by episodic positive symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders and psychosis and persistent negative symptoms such as flattened affect, impaired attention and social withdrawal, and cognitive impairments (Lewis D A and Lieberman J A, Neuron, 2000, 28:325-33). For decades research has focused on the “dopaminergic hyperactivity” hypothesis which has led to therapeutic interventions involving blockade of the dopaminergic system (Vandenberg R J and Aubrey K R., Exp. Opin. Ther. Targets, 2001, 5 (4): 507-518; Nakazato A and Okuyama S, et al., 2000, Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents, 10 (1): 75-98). This pharmacological approach poorly address negative and cognitive symptoms which are the best predictors of functional outcome (Sharma T., Br. J. Psychiatry, 1999, 174 (suppl. 28): 44-51).

A complementary model of schizophrenia was proposed in the mid-1960' based upon the psychotomimetic action caused by the blockade of the glutamate system by compounds like phencyclidine (PCP) and related agents (ketamine) which are non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists. Interestingly in healthy volunteers, PCP-induced psychotomimetic action incorporates positive and negative symptoms as well as cognitive dysfunction, thus closely resembling schizophrenia in patients (Javitt D C et al., 1999, Biol. Psychiatry, 45: 668-679 and refs. herein). Furthermore transgenic mice expressing reduced levels of the NMDAR1 subunit displays behavioral abnormalities similar to those observed in pharmacologically induced models of schizophrenia, supporting a model in which reduced NMDA receptor activity results in schizophrenia-like behavior (Mohn A R et al., 1999, Cell, 98: 427-236).

Glutamate neurotransmission, in particular NMDA receptor activity, plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, such as the NMDA receptors appears to serve as a graded switch for gating the threshold of synaptic plasticity and memory formation (Hebb D O, 1949, The organization of behavior, Wiley, NY; Bliss T V and Collingridge G L, 1993, Nature, 361: 31-39). Transgenic mice overexpressing the NMDA NR2B subunit exhibit enhanced synaptic plasticity and superior ability in learning and memory (Tang J P et al., 1999, Nature: 401-63-69).

Thus, if a glutamate deficit is implicate in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, enhancing glutamate transmission, in particular via NMDA receptor activation, would be predicted to produce both anti-psychotic and cognitive enhancing effects.

The amino acid glycine is known to have at least two important functions in the CNS. It acts as an inhibitory amino acid, binding to strychnine sensitive glycine receptors, and it also influences excitatory activity, acting as an essential co-agonist with glutamate for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function. While glutamate is released in an activity-dependent manner from synaptic terminals, glycine is apparently present at a more constant level and seems to modulate/control the receptor for its response to glutamate.

One of the most effective ways to control synaptic concentrations of neurotransmitter is to influence their re-uptake at the synapses. Neurotransmitter transporters by removing neurotransmitters from the extracellular space, can control their extracellular lifetime and thereby modulate the magnitude of the synaptic transmission (Gainetdinov R R et al, 2002, Trends in Pharm. Sci., 23 (8): 367-373).

Glycine transporters, which form part of the sodium and chloride family of neurotransmitter transporters, play an important role in the termination of post-synaptic glycinergic actions and maintenance of low extracellular glycine concentration by re-uptake of glycine into presynaptic nerve terminals and surrounding fine glial processes.

Two distinct glycine transporter genes have been cloned (GlyT-1 and GlyT-2) from mammalian brain, which give rise to two transporters with ˜50% amino acid sequence homology. GlyT-1 presents four isoforms arising from alternative splicing and alternative promoter usage (1a, 1b, 1c and 1d). Only two of these isoforms have been found in rodent brain (GlyT-1a and GlyT-1b). GlyT-2 also presents some degree of heterogeneity. Two GlyT-2 isoforms (2a and 2b) have been identified in rodent brains. GlyT-1 is known to be located in CNS and in peripheral tissues, whereas GlyT-2 is specific to the CNS. GlyT-1 has a predominantly glial distribution and is found not only in areas corresponding to strychnine sensitive glycine receptors but also outside these areas, where it has been postulated to be involved in modulation of NMDA receptor function (Lopez-Corcuera B et al., 2001, Mol. Mem. Biol., 18: 13-20). Thus, one strategy to enhance NMDA receptor activity is to elevate the glycine concentration in the local microenvironment of synaptic NMDA receptors by inhibition of GlyT-1 transporter (Bergereon R. Et al., 1998, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 95: 15730-15734; Chen L et al., 2003, J. Neurophysiol., 89 (2): 691-703).

Glycine transporters inhibitors are suitable for the treatment of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The majority of diseases states implicated are psychoses, schizophrenia (Armer R E and Miller D J, 2001, Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents, 11 (4): 563-572), psychotic mood disorders such as severe major depressive disorder, mood disorders associated with psychotic disorders such as acute mania or depression associated with bipolar disorders and mood disorders associated with schizophrenia, (Pralong E T et al., 2002, Prog. Neurobiol., 67: 173-202), autistic disorders (Carlsson M L, 1998, J. Neural Transm. 105: 525-535), cognitive disorders such as dementias, including age related dementia and senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, memory disorders in a mammal, including a human, attention deficit disorders and pain (Armer R E and Miller D J, 2001, Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents, 11 (4): 563-572).

Thus, increasing activation of NMDA receptors via GlyT-1 inhibition may lead to agents that treat psychosis, schizophrenia, dementia and other diseases in which cognitive processes are impaired, such as attention deficit disorders or Alzheimer's disease.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds of formula I

wherein

-   R¹ is lower alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl     are optionally substituted by halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy,     lower alkyl substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy substituted by     halogen, cyano, amino, di-lower alkyl amino or morpholinyl; -   R² is lower alkyl, —(CH₂)_(n)-aryl, —(CH₂)_(n)-heteroaryl or     —(CH₂)_(n)-cycloalkyl, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl groups are     optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the     group consisting of halogen, lower alkyl, cyano, or lower alkoxy; -   R³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl; -   R⁴ is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are optionally     substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group     consisting of halogen, lower alkyl substituted by halogen, lower     alkoxy substituted by halogen, lower alkyl; -   X is a bond or —OCH₂—; -   n is 0, 1 or 2;     or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, with the     exception of -   4-methoxy-N-[2-oxo-2-(phenylamino)ethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, -   4-chloro-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, -   4-chloro-N-[2-[5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-benzamide, -   4-methyl-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide, -   N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, -   4-methyl-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, -   4-chloro-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide     and -   N-[2-[(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-benzeneacetamide.

The excepted compounds have been described in Organic and Bio-Organic Chemistry (1972), (7), 909-13 in a cyclisation process of α-acylamino-acids.

Furthermore, the invention includes all racemic mixtures, all their corresponding enantiomers and/or optical isomers.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutical salt thereof. The invention also provides methods for the preparation of the compounds and compositions of the invention.

Compounds of general formula I are good inhibitors of the glycine transporter 1 (GlyT-1) and have a good selectivity to glycine transporter 2 (GlyT-2) inhibitors. The invention provides methods for the treatment of diseases related to activation of NMDA receptors via GlyT-1 inhibition, such as psychoses, dysfunction in memory and learning, schizophrenia, dementia and other diseases in which cognitive processes are impaired, such as attention deficit disorders or Alzheimer's disease. The preferred indications of the present invention are schizophrenia, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following definitions of the general terms used in the present description apply irrespective of whether the terms in question appear alone or in combination. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “lower alkyl” denotes a saturated straight- or branched-chain hydrocarbon group containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, 2-butyl, t-butyl and the like. Preferred alkyl groups are groups with 1-4 carbon atoms.

The term “cycloalkyl” denotes a saturated or partially saturated carbocyclic ring containing from 3 to 7 carbon atoms, for example cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptyl or cycloheptenyl.

The term “halogen” denotes chlorine, iodine, fluorine and bromine.

The term “aryl” denotes a monovalent cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical having 6 to 12 ring atoms and consisting of one or more fused rings in which at least one ring is aromatic in nature, for example phenyl or naphthyl.

The term “heteroaryl” denotes a cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical, containing one, two or three heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen wherein at least one ring is aromatic in nature, for example pyridyl, quinoxalinyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, thiophenyl, benzothiophenyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl and isothiazolyl.

The term “lower alkyl substituted by halogen” denotes a lower alkyl group as defined above, wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced by a halogen atom, for example the following groups: CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃, CH₂CHF₂, CH₂CH₂F, CH₂CH₂CF₃, CH₂CH₂CH₂CF₃, CH₂CH₂Cl, CH₂CF₂CF₃, CH₂CF₂CHF₂, CF₂CHFCF₃, C(CH₃)₂CF₃, CH(CH₃)CF₃ or CH(CH₂F)CH₂F.

The term “lower alkoxy” denotes a alkyl group wherein the lower alkyl residue is as defined above and which is attached via an oxygen atom.

The term “lower alkoxy substituted by halogen” denotes an alkoxy group, wherein at least one hydrogen atom is replaced by halogen as defined above.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable,” such as pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, etc., means pharmacologically acceptable and substantially non-toxic to the subject to which the particular compound is administered.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts” embraces salts with inorganic and organic acids, such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, methane-sulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and the like.

“Therapeutically effective amount” means an amount that is effective to prevent, alleviate or ameliorate symptoms of disease or prolong the survival of the subject being treated.

The present invention provides compounds of formula I

wherein

-   R¹ is lower alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl     are optionally substituted by halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy,     lower alkyl substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy substituted by     halogen, cyano, amino, di-lower alkyl amino or morpholinyl; -   R² is lower alkyl, —(CH₂)_(n)-aryl, —(CH₂)_(n)-heteroaryl or     —(CH₂)_(n)-cycloalkyl, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl groups are     optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the     group consisting of halogen, lower alkyl, cyano, or lower alkoxy; -   R³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl; -   R⁴ is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are optionally     substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group     consisting of halogen, lower alkyl substituted by halogen, lower     alkoxy substituted by halogen, lower alkyl; -   X is a bond or —OCH₂—; -   n is 0, 1 or 2;     or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, with the     exception of -   4-methoxy-N-[2-oxo-2-(phenylamino)ethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, -   4-chloro-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, -   4-chloro-N-[2-[5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-benzamide, -   4-methyl-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide, -   N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, -   4-methyl-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, -   4-chloro-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide     and -   N-[2-[(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-benzeneacetamide.

Preferred compounds of formula I are those, wherein X is a bond.

Preferred compounds of formula I of the present invention are further those, wherein R¹ and R⁴ are both monosubstituted aryl, preferably halogen substituted phenyl, for example the following compounds:

-   4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide, -   4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide, -   4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-benzamide, -   4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-thiophen-2-ylmethyl-benzamide, -   4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-benzamide, -   4-Chloro-N-(3-chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide     and -   4-Chloro-N-(2-chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide.

Further preferred compounds are those, wherein R¹ and R⁴ are both monosubstituted aryl, for R¹ preferably methoxy substituted phenyl and for R⁴ preferably halogen substituted phenyl, for example the following compounds:

-   N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-4-methoxy-benzamide     and -   N-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide.

Preferred compounds of formula I of the present invention are further those, wherein R¹ is heteroaryl, preferably benzothiophenyl, for example the following compounds:

-   Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid     (2-chloro-benzyl)-[(3-trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-amide, -   Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid     (2-chloro-benzyl)-[(3-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-amide, -   Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid     (3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-[(3-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-amide, -   Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid     [(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-amide, -   Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid     [(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-amide     and -   Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid     [(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-amide.

Preferred compounds of formula I of the present invention are further those, wherein R¹ and R⁴ are monosubstituted aryl, preferably halogen substituted phenyl for R¹ and CF₃ substituted phenyl for R⁴, for example the following compound:

-   N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-fluoro-N-[(3-trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide.

The present compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be prepared by methods known in the art, for example, by processes described below, which processes comprise

a) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula R²—NH₂  II and with a compound of formula

in the presence of N-ethyldiisopropylamine to produce a compound of formula

wherein the substituents are as defined above, or

b) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula

in presence of triethylamine to produce a compound of formula

wherein the substituents are as defined above or

c) reacting a compound of formula NHR³R⁴  IX with a compound of formula

in the presence of N-ethyldiisopropylamine and HATU [O-(7-Azabenzotriazole-1-yl)-N, N,N′N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate], to produce a compound of formula

wherein the substituents are as defined above, or

d) reacting a compound of formula

with a compound of formula

in the presence of triethylamine, to produce a compound of formula

wherein the substituents are as defined above and

if desired, converting the compounds obtained into pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.

The acid addition salts of the basic compounds of formula I can be converted to the corresponding free bases by treatment with at least a stoichiometric equivalent of a suitable base such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, ammonia, and the like.

The compounds of formula I can be prepared in accordance with process variant a) to d), with the following schemes and with working examples 1-128.

The starting material is commercially available or can be prepared in accordance with known methods.

Procedure A

This procedure is used to prepare Example 34 (N-phenyl-N-(p-tolylcarbamoyl-methyl)-6-trifluoromethyl-nicotinamide).

To a compound of formula III, for example 2-bromo-N-(4-methyl-phenyl)-acetamide, in THF is added a compound of formula II, for example aniline and N-ethyldiisopropylamine, and a compound of formula IV, for example 6-trifluoromethyl-nicotynoyl chloride, and the reaction mixture is stirred over night at reflux. Then the reaction is concentrated in vacuo, and the reaction mixture is purified in conventional manner.

Procedure B

This procedure is used to prepare Example 30: N-[(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-phenyl-3-trifluoromethyl benzamide.

Step 1: Compound of Formula V

To a compound of formula III, for example 2-bromo-N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-acetamide, in THF is added a compound of formula II, for example aniline and N-ethyldiisopropylamine, and the reaction mixture is stirred over night at reflux. The precipitated salt is then filtered off, and the filtrate was then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was then purified in conventional manner.

Step 2: Compound of Formula I

To a compound of formula V, for example N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-2-phenylamino-acetamide, in THF is added triethylamine and a compound of formula IV, for example 3-trifluoromethylbenzoyl chloride, and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Water is then added to the mixture until precipitation occurred, and the mixture is stirred for 5 minutes. Then the precipitate is isolated by filtration and washed.

Procedure C

This procedure is used to prepare Example 30: 4-chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2-fluoro-benzyl)benzamide.

Step 1: Compound of Formula VII

To a compound of formula VI, for example (2,6-dichloro-benzylamino)-acetic acid ethyl ester, in suspension THF is added triethylamine and a compound of formula IV, for example 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride, and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 10 min. Water is then added to the reaction mixture, and the aqueous phase is extracted with diethylacetate. The combined organic phases are then dried, concentrated in vacuo and purified.

Step 2: Compound of Formula VIII

To a compound of formula VII, for example N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-2-phenylamino-acetamide, in ethanol is added NaOH, and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for about 3 hours. The reaction mixture is then neutralized by addition of HCl, and the ethanol is eliminated by evaporation. Water and ethyl acetate is then added to the residue. The organic phase is separated, and the aqueous phase is extracted with ethylacetate. The combined organic phase is then washed again with water, dried and concentrated in vacuo.

Step 3: Compound of Formula I

To a solution of a compound of formula IX, for example 3-chloroaniline, in DMF is added N-ethyldiiopropylamine, a compound of formula VIII, for example [(2,6-dichloro-benzyl)-(4-methoxy-benzoyl)-amino]-acetic acid, and HATU; and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature over night. Then water is added until precipitation occurs, and the precipitate is isolated by filtration and washed with a mixture of water and ethanol to yield the title compound.

Procedure D

This procedure was used to prepare Example 1: 4-chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide.

To a compound of formula III-1, for example N-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-chloroacetamide, in DMF is added a compound of formula II, for example 2,6-difluorobenzylamine and triethylamine, and a compound of formula IV, such as 4-chlorobenzoyl chloride. The reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for about 15 min and then purified.

Procedure E

This procedure was used to prepare Example 97: N-[(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-isobutyl-4-methoxy-benzamide.

Step 1: Hydrobromide of a Compound of Formula V-1

To a solution of a compound of formula III, for example 2-bromo-N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-acetamide, in dichloromethane at 0° C. is slowly added isobutylamine in dichloromethane. The reaction mixture is allowed to warm up to room temperature and then stirred for another 24 hours. Then the salt is filtered off and the filtrate is concentrated in vacuo. The residue is then purified.

Step 2: Compound of Formula I-1.

To a solution of a compound of formula V-1, such as N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-2-isobutylamino-acetamide hydrobromide, in THF are slowly added a solution of triethylamine in THF and a solution of a compound of formula IV, for example 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride, in THF, and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for about 24 hours. Then water is added to the reaction mixture, and the precipitate is isolated by filtration and then purified.

The compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically usable addition salts possess valuable pharmacological properties. Specifically, the compounds of the present invention are good inhibitors of the glycine transporter I (GlyT-1).

The compounds were investigated in accordance with the test given hereinafter.

Solutions and Materials

DMEM complete medium: Nutrient mixture F-12 (Gibco Life-technologies), fetal bovine serum (FBS) 5%, (Gibco life technologies), Penicillin/Streptomycin 1% (Gibco life technologies), Hygromycin 0.6 mg/ml (Gibco life technologies), Glutamine 1 mM Gibco life technologies)

Uptake buffer (UB): 150 mM NaCl, 10 mM Hepes-Tris, pH 7.4, 1 mM CaCl₂, 2.5 mM KCl, 2.5 mM MgSO₄, 10 mM (+) D-glucose.

Flp-in™-CHO (Invitrogen Cat n° R758-07) cells stably transfected with mGlyT1b cDNA.

Glycine Uptake Inhibition Assay (mGlyT-1b)

On day 1 mammalian cells, (Flp-in™-CHO), transfected with mGlyT-1b cDNA, were plated at the density of 40,000 cells/well in complete F-12 medium, without hygromycin in 96-well culture plates. On day 2, the medium was aspirated and the cells were washed twice with uptake buffer (UB). The cells were then incubated for 20 min at 22° C. with either (i) no potential competitor, (ii) 10 mM non-radioactive glycine, (iii) a concentration of a potential inhibitor. A range of concentrations of the potential inhibitor was used to generate data for calculating the concentration of inhibitor resulting in 50% of the effect (e.g. IC₅₀, the concentration of the competitor inhibiting glycine uptake of 50%). A solution was then immediately added containing [³H]-glycine 60 nM (11-16 Ci/mmol) and 25 μM non-radioactive glycine. The plates were incubated with gentle shaking and the reaction was stopped by aspiration of the mixture and washing (three times) with ice-cold UB. The cells were lysed with scintillation liquid, shaken 3 hours and the radioactivity in the cells was counted using a scintillation counter.

The compounds described in examples 1-128 have an IC₅₀ data <1.0 μM. The IC₅₀ data (<0.4 μM) for representative compounds 1-128 is be provided in table 2.

The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of the invention, for example compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically suitable acid addition salts, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such pharmaceutical compositions can be in the form of tablets, coated tablets, dragées, hard and soft gelatin capsules, solutions, emulsions or suspensions. The pharmaceutical compositions also can be in the form of suppositories or injectable solutions.

The pharmaceutical compounds of the invention, in addition to one or more compounds of the invention, contain a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include pharmaceutically inert, inorganic and organic carriers. Lactose, corn starch or derivatives thereof, talc, stearic acids or its salts and the like can be used, for example, as such carriers for tablets, coated tablets, dragées and hard gelatine capsules. Suitable carriers for soft gelatine capsules are, for example, vegetable oils, waxes, fats, semi-solid and liquid polyols and the like. Depending on the nature of the active substance no carriers are however usually required in the case of soft gelatine capsules. Suitable carriers for the production of solutions and syrups are, for example, water, polyols, glycerol, vegetable oil and the like. Suitable carriers for suppositories are, for example, natural or hardened oils, waxes, fats, semi-liquid or liquid polyols and the like.

The pharmaceutical compositions can, moreover, contain preservatives, solubilizers, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorants, flavorants, salts for varying the osmotic pressure, buffers, masking agents or antioxidants. They can also contain still other therapeutically valuable substances.

The invention also provides a method for preparing compositions of the invention which comprises bringing one or more compounds of formula I and/or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts and, if desired, one or more other therapeutically valuable substances into a galenical administration form together with one or more therapeutically inert carriers.

The most preferred indications in accordance with the present invention are those, which include disorders of the central nervous system, for example the treatment or prevention of schizophrenia, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The invention provides a method for the treatment of schizophrenia, which comprises administering to an individual a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides a method for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which comprises administering to an individual a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention further comprises a method for improving cognition, which comprises administering to an individual a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The dosage at which compounds of the invention can be administered can vary within wide limits and will, of course, have to be adjusted to the individual requirements in each particular case. In the case of oral administration the dosage for adults can vary from about 0.01 mg to about 1000 mg per day of a compound of general formula I or of the corresponding amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The daily dosage can be administered as single dose or in divided doses and, in addition, the upper limit can also be exceeded when this is found to be indicated. Tablet Formulation (Wet Granulation) mg/tablet Item Ingredients 5 mg 25 mg 100 mg 500 mg 1. Compound of formula I 5 25 100 500 2. Lactose Anhydrous DTG 125 105 30 150 3. Sta-Rx 1500 6 6 6 30 4. Microcrystalline Cellulose 30 30 30 150 5. Magnesium Stearate 1 1 1 1 Total 167 167 167 831 Manufacturing Procedure 1. Mix items 1, 2, 3 and 4 and granulate with purified water. 2. Dry the granules at 50° C. 3. Pass the granules through suitable milling equipment. 4. Add item 5 and mix for three minutes; compress on a suitable press. Capsule Formulation mg/capsule Item Ingredients 5 mg 25 mg 100 mg 500 mg 1. Compound of formula I 5 25 100 500 2. Hydrous Lactose 159 123 148 — 3. Corn Starch 25 35 40 70 4. Talc 10 15 10 25 5. Magnesium Stearate 1 2 2 5 Total 200 200 300 600 Manufacturing Procedure 1. Mix items 1, 2 and 3 in a suitable mixer for 30 minutes. 2. Add items 4 and 5 and mix for 3 minutes. 3. Fill into a suitable capsule.

The following examples illustrate the present invention without limiting it. All temperatures are given in degree Celsius.

Procedure A

This procedure is used to prepare Example 34

N-Phenyl-N-(p-tolylcarbamoyl-methyl)-6-trifluoromethyl-nicotinamide

To 2-bromo-N-(4-methyl-phenyl)-acetamide (100 mg) in THF (3.0 mL) was added aniline (41 mg) and N-ethyldiisopropylamine and 6-trifluoromethyl-nicotynoyl chloride (110 mg) the reaction mixture was stirred over night at reflux. Then the reaction was concentrated in vacuo and the reaction mixture was purified by column chromatography to yield the title compound as a light brown solid (127 mg, 70%).

Procedure B

This procedure was used to prepare Example 30

N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-phenyl-3-trifluoromethyl benzamide Step 1: N-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-2-phenylamino-acetamide

To 2-bromo-N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-acetamide (2 g) in THF (80 mL) was added aniline (41 mg) and N-ethyldiisopropylamine and the reaction mixture was stirred over night at reflux. The precipitated salt was then filtered off and the filtrate was then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was then purified by column chromatography to give the title compound as a light brown solid (1.3 g, mp=110-112° C.).

Step 2: N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-phenyl-3-trifluoromethyl benzamide

To N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-2-phenylamino-acetamide (73 mg) in THF (3.1 mL) was added tiethylamine (52 μL) and 3-trifluoromethylbenzoyl chloride (62 mg) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. To the mixture was then added water under precipitation occurred and the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes. Then the precipitate was isolated by filtration and washed with a mixture water-ethanol (1:1) to yield the title compound as a white solid (64 mg, mp=130-132° C.).

Procedure C

This procedure was used to prepare Example 30

4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2-fluoro-benzyl)benzamide Step 1: N-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-2-phenylamino-acetamide

To (2,6-dichloro-benzylamino)-acetic acid ethyl ester (100 mg) in suspension THF (5 mL) was added triethylamine (0.08 mL) and 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride (78 mg) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min. After such time the water was added to the reaction mixture and the aqueous phase was extracted with diethylacetate. The combined organic phases were then dried over sodium sulfate, concentrated vacuo and purified by column chromatography to yield the title (128 mg). MS (m/e): 396.3 (M+H⁺)

Step 2: [(2,6-Dichloro-benzyl)-(4-methoxy-benzoyl)-amino]-acetic acid

To N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-2-phenylamino-acetamide in ethanol (10 mL) was added 1N NaOH (0.38 μL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. After such time the reaction mixture was neutralized by addition of 3N HCl and the ethanol was eliminated by evaporation. To the residue was added more water and ethyl acetate. The organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethylacetate. The combined organic phase was then washed again with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to yield the title compound (90 mg). MS (m/e): 366.0 (M−H).

Step 3: 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2-fluoro-benzyl)benzamide

To a solution of 3-chloroaniline (20 mg) in DMF (1.5 mL) was added N-ethyldiiopropylamine (137 μL), [(2,6-Dichloro-benzyl)-(4-methoxy-benzoyl)-amino]-acetic acid (58 mg) and HATU (Across 365312) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature over night. Then water was added until the precipitation occurs and the precipitate was isolated by filtration and washed with a mixture of water and ethanol (2:1) to yield the title compound (35 mg). MS (m/e): 479.2 (M+H⁺).

Procedure D

This procedure was used to prepare Example 1

4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide

To N1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-chloroacetamide (61 mg) in DMF (1 mL) was added 2,6-difluorobenzylamine (38 mg) and triethylamine (0.1 mL) and 4-chlorobenzoyl chloride (58 mg) the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 min and then purified by HPLC preparative to yield the title compound (55 mg). MS (m/e): 447.0 (M−H).

Procedure E

This procedure was used to prepare Example 97

N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-isobutyl-4-methoxy-benzamide Step 1: N-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-2-isobutylamino-acetamide hydrobromide

To a solution of 2-bromo-N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-acetamide (0.1 g) in dichloromethane (80 mL) at 0° C. was slowly added of isobutylamine (52 mg) in dichloromethane. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm up to room temperature and then stirred for another 24 hours. Then the salt was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was then purified by column chromatography to yield the title compound as a white solid (0.1 g). MS (m/e): 357.1 (M+H⁺).

Step 2: N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-isobutyl-4-methoxy-benzamide

To a solution of N-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-2-isobutylamino-acetamide hydrobromide (0.090 g) in THF were slowly added a solution of triethylamine (0.064 mg) in THF (5 mL) and a solution of 4-methoxybenzoyl chloride (47 mg) in THF (5 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. Then water was added to the reaction mixture and the precipitate was isolated by filtration and then purified by column chromatography to yield the title compound (78 mg). MS (m/e): 409.2 (M−H, 100%).

The following starting materials for preparation of compounds of formula I have been used: TABLE 1 Amine/ Chloro amide or Exp Procedure Aniline bromo amide Acyl chloride 1 D 2,6- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl Difluorobenzylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 2 D 3,4- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl Difluorobenzylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 3 D 3,5- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl Difluorobenzylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 4 D 2,3- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl Difluorobenzylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 5 D 2,4- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl Difluorobenzylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 6 D 2,5- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl Difluorobenzylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 7 D 4-Fluorobenzylamine N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl 2-chloroacetamide chloride 8 D 3-Fluorobenzylamine N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl 2-chloroacetamide chloride 9 D 2-Fluorobenzylamine N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl 2-chloroacetamide chloride 10 D Thiophen-3-yl- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Methoxybenzoyl methylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 11 D 2,6- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Methoxybenzoyl Difluorobenzylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 12 D 3,5- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Methoxybenzoyl Dichlorobenzylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 13 D 2,6- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Methoxybenzoyl Dichlorobenzylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 14 D 3-Chlorobenzylamine N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Methoxybenzoyl 2-chloroacetamide chloride 15 D Benzylamine N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride 2-chloroacetamide 16 D benzylamine N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl 2-chloroacetamide chloride 17 D Thiophen-2-yl- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Chlorobenzoyl methylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 18 D Thiophen-2-yl- N1-(3-Chlorophenyl)- 4-Methoxybenzoyl methylamine 2-chloroacetamide chloride 19 C (2,6-Dichloro- 3-Chloro aniline 4-Methoxybenzoyl benzylamino)-acetic chloride acid ethyl ester 20 D 3-Fluoroaniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-Methoxybenzoyl dichloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 21 D 2-Fluoroaniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-Methoxybenzoyl dichloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 22 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-Methoxybenzoyl dichloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 23 C Phenylamino-acetic 3-Chloro-2- 4-Methoxybenzoyl acid ethyl ester Fluoroaniline chloride 24 C Phenylamino-acetic 5-Amino-2,2-difluoro- 4-Methoxybenzoyl acid ethyl ester 1,3-benzodioxole chloride 25 C Phenylamino-acetic 3- 4-Methoxybenzoyl acid ethyl ester (Trifluoromethoxy)aniline chloride 26 C Phenylamino-acetic m-Toluidine 4-Methoxybenzoyl acid ethyl ester chloride 27 C Phenylamino-acetic 3- 4-Methoxybenzoyl acid ethyl ester Aminobenzotrifluoride chloride 28 C Phenylamino-acetic 3-Chloroaniline 4-Methoxybenzoyl acid ethyl ester chloride 29 C Phenylamino-acetic 3-methoxybenzonitrile 4-Methoxybenzoyl acid ethyl ester chloride 30 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 3-trifluoromethylbenzoyl dichloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 31 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 3-cyanobenzoyl chloride dichloro-phenyl)- acetamide 32 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 2-Methoxybenzoyl dichloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 33 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 3-Methylbenzoyl dichloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 34 A Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(4-methyl- 6-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-acetamide nicotynoyl chloride 35 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 3-Chlorobenzoyl dichloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 36 A Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(4-fluoro- 6-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-acetamide nicotynoyl chloride 37 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 6-Trifluoromethyl- dichloro-phenyl)- nicotinoyl chloride acetamide 38 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-cyanobenzoyl chloride dichloro-phenyl)- acetamide 39 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 2-Fluorobenzoyl chloride dichloro-phenyl)- acetamide 40 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 3-fluorobenzoyl chloride dichloro-phenyl)- acetamide 41 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-methoxybenzoyl dichloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 42 B Aniline 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-fluorobenzoyl chloride dichloro-phenyl)- acetamide 43 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 3-Methylbenzoyl trifluoromethyl- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 44 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 6-trifluoromethyl- trifluoromethyl- nicotynoyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 45 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 3-Chlorobenzoyl benzylamine trifluoromethyl- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 46 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 6-trifluoromethyl- benzylamine trifluoromethyl- nicotynoyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 47 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 6-Trifluoromethyl- benzylamine trifluoromethyl- nicotinoyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 48 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-cyanobenzoyl chloride benzylamine trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-acetamide 49 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 2-Fluorobenzoyl chloride benzylamine trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-acetamide 50 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-cyanobenzoyl chloride benzylamine trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-acetamide 51 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- Benzo[b]thiophene-2- trifluoromethyl- carbonyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 52 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 3-fluorobenzoyl chloride trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-acetamide 53 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-Chlorobenzoyl trifluoromethyl- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 54 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4- trifluoromethyl- trifluoromethoxybenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 55 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride trifluoromethyl- phenyl)-acetamide 56 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 6-trifluoromethyl benzyl benzylamine trifluoromethyl- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 57 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- Benzo[b]thiophene-2- phenyl)-acetamide carbonyl chloride 58 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- 3-fluorobenzoyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 59 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- 3-Methylbenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 60 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- 4- phenyl)-acetamide trifluoromethoxybenzoyl chloride 61 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 62 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- 4-cyanobenzoyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 63 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- Benzo[b]thiophene-2- benzylamine phenyl)-acetamide carbonyl chloride 64 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- 3-Methylbenzoyl benzylamine phenyl)-acetamide chloride 65 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- 4- benzylamine phenyl)-acetamide trifluoromethoxybenzoyl chloride 66 D 3,4-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- Benzo[b]thiophene-2- benzylamine phenyl)-acetamide carbonyl chloride 67 D 3,4-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- 3-Methylbenzoyl benzylamine phenyl)-acetamide chloride 68 D 3,4-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3-fluoro- 4- benzylamine phenyl)-acetamide trifluoromethoxybenzoyl chloride 69 D 2,6-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- Benzo[b]thiophene-2- benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- carbonyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 70 D 2,6-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 3-Methylbenzoyl benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 71 D 2,6-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4- benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- trifluoromethoxybenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 72 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- Benzo[b]thiophene-2- Chloro,4-fluoro- carbonyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 73 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 3-fluorobenzoyl chloride Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 74 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-Chlrorobenzoyl Chloro,4-fluoro- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 75 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4- Chloro,4-fluoro- trifluoromethoxybenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 76 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 77 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-cyanobenzoyl chloride Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 78 D 2,6-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 79 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3- 6-trifluoromethyl benzyl Chloro,4-fluoro- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 80 D 2,3-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- Benzo[b]thiophene-2- benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- carbonyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 81 D 2,3-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 3-fluorobenzoyl chloride benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 82 D 2,3-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-Chlrorobenzoyl benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 83 D 2,3-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4- benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- trifluoromethoxybenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 84 D 2,3-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 85 D 2,3-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-cyanobenzoyl chloride benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 86 D 2,3-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 6-trifluoromethyl benzyl benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 87 D 2,3-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- Benzo[b]thiophene-2- benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- carbonyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 88 D 2,6-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-cyanobenzoyl chloride benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 89 D 2,3-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 3-Methylbenzoyl benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 90 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4- benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- trifluoromethoxybenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 91 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 92 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 4-cyanobenzoyl chloride benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- phenyl)-acetamide 93 D 3,5-difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- 6-trifluoromethyl benzyl benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- chloride phenyl)-acetamide 94 D 3,4-Difluoro- 2-Chloro-N-(3- Benzo[b]thiophene-2- benzylamine Chloro,4-fluoro- carbonyl chloride phenyl)-acetamide 95 D 2,2-simethyl 2-Chloro-N-(3-Chloro 4-Chlrorobenzoyl propylamine phenyl)-acetamide chloride 96 D 3,3-dimethyl 2-Chloro-N-(3-Chloro 4-Chlrorobenzoyl butylamine phenyl)-acetamide chloride 97 E iso butylamine 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-Methoxybenzoyl dichloro phenyl)- chloride acetamide 98 E 3-methyl butylamine 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-Methoxybenzoyl dichloro phenyl)- chloride acetamide 99 B benzylamine 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-Methoxybenzoyl dichloro phenyl)- chloride acetamide 100 D 3-cyano-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Chlorobenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 101 D 3-methoxy- 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Chlorobenzoyl benzylamine phenyl)-acetamide chloride 102 D 2-methoxy- 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Chlorobenzoyl benzylamine phenyl)-acetamide chloride 103 D 3-methyl-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Chlorobenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 104 D 2-methyl-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Chlorobenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 105 D 3-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Chlorobenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 106 D 2-Chloro-benzylamine 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Chlorobenzoyl phenyl)-acetamide chloride 107 D C-Furan-2-yl- 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Chlorobenzoyl methylamine phenyl)-acetamide chloride 108 C Phenylamino-acetic 2-Bromo-N-(3,4- 4-methoxy benzoyl acid ethyl ester dichloro phenyl)- chloride acetamide 119 B 2-fluoro-benzylamine 3-Chloro aniline 6-Morpholin-4-yl- nicotinoyl chloride 120 B 2-fluoro-benzylamine 3-Chloro aniline 6-Chloro-nicotinoyl chloride 121 B 2-Fluoro-benzylamine 3-Chloro aniline 2-Chloro-isonicotinoyl chloride 122 B 2-Fluoro-benzylamine 3-Chloro aniline 2,6-Dichloro- isonicotinoyl chloride 123 A C-Cyclohexyl- 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-chlorobenzoyl chloride methylamine phenyl)-acetamide 124 A C-Cyclohexyl- 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Chlorobenzoyl methylamine phenyl)-acetamide chloride 125 A C-Cyclohexyl- 2-Chloro-N-(3-chloro- 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride methylamine phenyl)-acetamide 126 A Cyclopentylamine 2,4-Dichloro-N-(3- 4-Methoxybenzoyl chloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 127 A Cyclopropylamine 2,4-Dichloro-N-(3- 4-Methoxybenzoyl chloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide 128 A Cyclohexylamine 2,4-Dichloro-N-(3- 4-Methoxybenzoyl chloro-phenyl)- chloride acetamide

The following compounds have been prepared in accordance with table 1: TABLE 2

Procedure R¹ R² R³ R⁴ X IC₅₀ Exp D

H

bond 0.052 1 D

H

bond 0.265 2 D

H

bond 0.184 3 D

H

bond 0.074 4 D

H

bond 0.16 5 D

H

bond 0.165 6 D

H

bond 7 D

H

bond 0.128 8 D

H

bond 0.074 9 D

H

bond 0.285 10 D

H

bond 0.1 11 D

H

bond 0.243 12 D

H

bond 0.122 13 D

H

bond 0.024 14 D

H

bond 0.312 15 D

H

bond 0.156 16 D

H

bond 0.077 17 D

H

bond 0.257 18 C

H

bond 0.164 19 D

H

bond 20 D

H

bond 0.315 21 B

H

bond 22 C

H

bond 23 C

H

bond 24 C

H

bond 25 C

H

bond 26 C

H

bond 0.148 27 C

H

bond 0.267 28 C

H

bond 29 B

H

bond 30 B

H

bond 0.35 31 B

H

bond 32 B

H

bond 33 A

H

bond 34 B

H

bond 35 A

H

bond 36 B

H

bond 0.154 37 B

H

bond 38 B

H

bond 0.291 39 B

H

bond 40 B

H

bond 0.276 41 B

H

bond 42 D

H

bond 0.339 43 D

H

bond 44 D

H

bond 0.298 45 D

H

bond 46 D

H

bond 47 D

H

bond 48 D

H

bond 49 D

H

bond 50 D

H

bond 0.06 51 D

H

bond 0.153 52 D

H

bond 0.241 53 D

H

bond 0.196 54 D

H

bond 0.097 55 D

H

bond 56 D

H

bond 0.088 57 D

H

bond 58 D

H

bond 0.166 59 D

H

bond 0.107 60 D

H

bond 61 D

H

bond 0.357 62 D

H

bond 0.07  63 D

H

bond 64 D

H

bond 0.278 65 D

H

bond 0.167 66 D

H

bond 67 D

H

bond 68 D

H

bond 0.09 69 D

H

bond 70 D

H

bond 0.107 71 D

H

bond 0.205 72 D

H

bond 73 D

H

bond 0.142 74 D

H

bond 0.259 75 D

H

bond 0.159 76 D

H

bond 0.182 77 D

H

bond 0.282 78 D

H

bond 79 D

H

bond 0.066 80 D

H

bond 81 D

H

bond 0.108 82 D

H

bond 0.078 83 D

H

bond 0.178 84 D

H

bond 0.123 85 D

H

bond 86 D

H

bond 0.036 87 D

H

bond 0.199 88 D

H

bond 0.306 89 D

H

bond 0.288 90 D

H

bond 91 D

H

bond 92 D

H

bond 93 D

H

bond 94 D

H

bond 95 D

H

bond 0.359 96 E

H

bond 97 E

H

bond 98 B

H

bond 99 D

H

bond 0.192 100 D

H

bond 101 D

H

bond 0.06 102 D

H

bond 0.142 103 D

H

bond 0.209 104 D

H

bond 0.021 105 D

H

bond 0.025 106 D

H

bond 0.199 107 C

H

bond 0.182 108 C

H

bond 109 C

H

bond 0.369 110 C

H

bond 111 C

H

bond 112 B

H

bond 0.15 113 B

H

bond 0.091 114 B

H

bond 115 B

H

bond 0.191 116 B

H

bond 0.21 117 B

H

OCH₂ 0.259 118 B

H

bond 0.355 119 B

H

bond 0.182 120 B

H

bond 121 B

H

bond 122 A

CH₃

bond 123 A

H

bond 124 A

H

bond 125 A

H

bond 0.357 126 A

H

bond 127 A

H

bond 128

TABLE 3 MS MS Compound name MW result mode Example 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 449.28 447.0 neg 1 N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 449.28 447.0 neg 2 N-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 449.28 447.0 neg 3 N-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 449.28 449.2 pos 4 N-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 449.28 449.2 pos 5 N-(2,4-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 449.28 449.2 pos 6 N-(2,5-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 431.29 431.4 pos 7 N-(4-fluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 431.29 431.4 pos 8 N-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 431.29 431.4 pos 9 N-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4- 414.9 415.3 pos 10 methoxy-N-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,6- 444.9 443.2 neg 11 difluoro-benzyl)-4-methoxy-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(3,5- 477.8 477.1 pos 12 dichloro-benzyl)-4-methoxy-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,5- 477.8 479.2 pos 13 dichloro-benzyl)-4-methoxy-benzamide N-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro- 443.3 443.3 pos 14 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide N-Benzyl-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 496.8 497.1 pos 15 4-fluoro-benzamide N-Benzyl-4-chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 413.3 413.2 pos 16 methyl]-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 419.3 419.1 pos 17 N-thiophen-2-ylmethyl-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4- 449.4 449.1 pos 18 methoxy-N-thiophen-2-ylmethyl-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,6- 477.8 479.2 pos 19 dichloro-benzyl)-4-methoxy-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(3- 447.3 447.1 pos 20 fluoro-phenyl)-4-methoxy-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2- 447.3 447.1 pos 21 fluoro-phenyl)-4-methoxy-benzamide Pentanoic acid [(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 379.3 379.3 pos 22 methyl]-phenyl-amide N-[(3-Chloro-2-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 412.8 413.4 pos 23 4-methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(2,2-Difluoro-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-ylcarbamoyl)- 440.4 441.0 pos 24 methyl]-4-methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide 4-Methoxy-N-phenyl-N-[(3-trifluoromethoxy- 444.4 445.1 pos 25 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide 4-Methoxy-N-phenyl-N-(m-tolylcarbamoyl- 374.4 375.1 pos 26 methyl)-benzamide 4-Methoxy-N-phenyl-N-[(3-trifluoromethyl- 428.4 429.0 pos 27 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4- 394.9 395.0 pos 28 methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide 4-Methoxy-N-[(3-methoxy-phenylcarbamoyl)- 390.4 391.3 pos 29 methyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N- 467.3 467.0 pos 30 phenyl-3-trifluoromethyl-benzamide 3-Cyano-N-[(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 424.3 467.0 pos 31 methyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-2- 429.3 429.2 pos 32 methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-3- 413.3 413.2 pos 33 methyl-N-phenyl-benzamide N-Phenyl-N-(p-tolylcarbamoyl-methyl)-6- 413.4 414.4 pos 34 trifluoromethyl-nicotinamide 3-Chloro-N-[(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 433.7 433.0 pos 35 methyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(4-Fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-phenyl- 417.4 418.0 pos 36 6-trifluoromethyl-nicotinamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N- 468.3 468.1 pos 37 phenyl-6-trifluoromethyl-nicotinamide 4-Cyano-N-[(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 424.3 424.0 pos 38 methyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-2- 417.3 417.3 pos 39 fluoro-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-3- 417.3 417.1 pos 40 fluoro-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4- 429.3 429.3 pos 41 methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4- 417.3 417.1 pos 42 fluoro-N-phenyl-benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-cyano-N-[(3- 471.9 472.2 pos 43 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-3-trifluoromethyl-N-[(3- 514.9 515.2 pos 44 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (3,5-difluoro- 504.5 506.2 pos 45 benzyl)-[(3-trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)- methyl]-amide N-(3,5-Difluoro-benzyl)-3-fluoro-N-[(3- 466.4 467.2 pos 46 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide 4-Chloro-N-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-N-[(3- 482.8 483.4 pos 47 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide N-(3,5-Difluoro-benzyl)-4-trifluoromethoxy-N-[(3- 432.4 433.2 pos 48 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide N-(3,5-Difluoro-benzyl)-4-fluoro-N-[(3- 466.4 467.2 pos 49 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide 4-Cyano-N-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-N-[(3- 473.4 474.2 pos 50 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-chloro- 502.9 503.1 pos 51 benzyl)-[(3-trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)- methyl]-amide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-3-fluoro-N-[(3- 464.9 465.3 pos 52 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide 4-Chloro-N-(2-chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3- 481.3 481.2 pos 53 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide #N!-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-trifluoromethoxy-#N!-[(3- 530.9 531.1 pos 54 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-fluoro-N-[(3- 464.9 465.3 pos 55 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide N-(3,5-Difluoro-benzyl)-3-trifluoromethyl-N-[(3- 516.4 517.2 pos 56 trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-chloro- 452.9 453.0 pos 57 benzyl)-[(3-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-amide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-3-fluoro-N-[(3-fluoro- 414.8 415.3 pos 58 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-(2-chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-fluoro- 431.3 431.1 pos 59 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-fluoro- 480.8 481.1 pos 60 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-trifluoromethoxy- benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-fluoro-N-[(3-fluoro- 414.8 415.2 pos 61 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-cyano-N-[(3-fluoro- 421.9 422.1 pos 62 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (3,5-difluoro- 454.5 455.2 pos 63 benzyl)-[(3-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-amide 4-Chloro-N-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-N-[(3-fluoro- 432.8 433.2 pos 64 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide N-(3,5-Difluoro-benzyl)-N-[(3-fluoro- 482.4 483.1 pos 65 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-trifluoromethoxy- benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (3,4-difluoro- 454.5 455.2 pos 66 benzyl)-[(3-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-amide 4-Chloro-N-(3,4-difluoro-benzyl)-N-[(3-fluoro- 432.8 433.2 pos 67 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide N-(3,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-N-[(3-fluoro- 482.4 483.4 pos 68 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-trifluoromethoxy- benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(3-chloro-4- 488.9 489.1 pos 69 fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(2,6-difluoro- benzyl)-amide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 467.3 467.1 pos 70 methyl]-N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 518.8 517.1 pos 71 N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-4-trifluoromethoxy- benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-chloro- 487.4 487.2 pos 72 benzyl)-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)- methyl]-amide N!-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-N!-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro- 449.3 449.1 pos 73 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-3-fluoro-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-(2-chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-4- 465.7 465.2 pos 74 fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro- 515.3 512.3 pos 75 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-trifluoromethoxy- benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro- 449.3 449.1 pos 76 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-fluoro-benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro- 456.3 456.3 pos 77 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-cyano-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 450.8 451.1 pos 78 N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-4-fluoro-benzamide N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro- 499.3 499.2 pos 79 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-3-trifluoromethyl- benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(3-chloro-4- 488.9 489.2 pos 80 fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(2,3-difluoro- benzyl)-amide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 450.8 451.1 pos 81 N-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-3-fluoro-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 467.3 467.2 pos 82 methyl]-N-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 516.8 517.1 pos 83 N-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-4-trifluoromethoxy- benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 450.8 451.1 pos 84 N-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-4-fluoro-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 457.8 458.3 pos 85 4-cyano-N-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 500.8 501.1 pos 86 N-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-3-trifluoromethyl- benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(3-chloro-4- 488.9 499.1 pos 87 fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(3,5-difluoro- benzyl)-amide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 457.8 458.3 pos 88 4-cyano-N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 467.3 467.4 pos 89 methyl]-N-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 516.8 517.1 pos 90 N-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-4-trifluoromethoxy- benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 450.8 451.1 pos 91 N-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-4-fluoro-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 457.8 458.3 pos 92 4-cyano-N-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 500.8 501.1 pos 93 N-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-3-trifluoromethyl- benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(3-chloro-4- 488.9 489.1 pos 94 fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(3,4-difluoro- benzyl)-amide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 393.3 393.1 neg 95 N-(2,2-dimethyl-propyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 407.3 408.3 neg 96 N-(3,3-dimethyl-butyl)-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N- 409.3 409.2 neg 97 isobutyl-4-methoxy-benzamide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4- 423.3 421.0 neg 98 methoxy-N-(3-methyl-butyl)-benzamide N-Benzyl-N-[(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 443.3 441.2 neg 99 methyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 438.3 436.0 neg 100 N-(3-cyano-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 443.3 440.9 neg 101 N-(3-methoxy-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 443.3 440.9 neg 102 N-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 427.3 446.8 neg 103 N-(3-methyl-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 427.3 424.9 neg 104 N-(2-methyl-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-(3-chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro- 447.8 446.8 neg 105 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-(2-chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro- 447.8 446.8 neg 106 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 403.3 401.0 neg 107 N-furan-2-ylmethyl-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 412.9 413.0 pos 108 4-methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(5-Chloro-2-methyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 408.9 409.2 pos 109 4-methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-4-methyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 408.9 409.2 pos 110 4-methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(3,5-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4- 429.3 429.3 pos 111 methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide N-[(4-Bromo-3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 473.8 472.9 pos 112 4-methoxy-N-phenyl-benzamide Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(3,4-dichloro- 455.4 454.9 pos 113 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-phenyl-amide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N- 483.3 482.9 pos 114 phenyl-4-trifluoromethoxy-benzamide Isoxazole-5-carboxylic acid [(3,4-dichloro- 390.2 390.0 pos 115 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-phenyl-amide N-[(3,4-Dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4- 442.3 442.0 pos 116 dimethylamino-N-phenyl-benzamide N-(3-Chloro-phenyl)-N-[(3,4-dichloro- 463.7 462.8 pos 117 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide 2-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-N-[(3,4-dichloro- 463.7 462.8 pos 118 phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-phenyl-acetamide N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2- 462.9 483.5 pos 119 fluoro-benzyl)-6-morpholin-4-yl-nicotinamide 6-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 432.3 432.2 pos 120 N-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-nicotinamide 2-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 432.3 432.1 pos 121 N-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-isonicotinamide 2,6-Dichloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 466.7 468.1 pos 122 methyl]-N-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-isonicotinamide 4-Chloro-N-{[(3-chloro-phenyl)-methyl- 445.3 445.4 pos 123 carbamoyl]-methyl}-N-(3-fluoro-benzyl)-benzamide 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]- 419.4 419.1 pos 124 N-cyclohexylmethyl-benzamide N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N- 402.9 403.3 pos 125 cyclohexylmethyl-4-fluoro-benzamide N-Cyclopentyl-N-[(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 421.3 420.9 pos 126 methyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide N-Cyclopropyl-N-[(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 393.3 393.0 pos 127 methyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide N-Cyclohexyl-N-[(3,4-dichloro-phenylcarbamoyl)- 435.3 435.1 pos 128 methyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide 

1. A compound of formula I

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are optionally substituted by halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkyl substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy substituted by halogen, cyano, amino, di-lower alkyl amino or morpholinyl; R² is lower alkyl, —(CH₂)_(n)-aryl, —(CH₂)_(n)-heteroaryl or —(CH₂)_(n)-cycloalkyl, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, lower alkyl, cyano, and lower alkoxy; R³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R⁴ is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, lower alkyl substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy substituted by halogen, and lower alkyl; X is a bond or —OCH₂—; and n is 0, 1 or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, with the exception of 4-methoxy-N-[2-oxo-2-(phenylamino)ethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-[2-[5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-benzamide, 4-methyl-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide, N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-methyl-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide and N-[2-[(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-benzeneacetamide.
 2. A compound of claim 1, wherein X is a bond.
 3. A compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ and R⁴ are both monosubstituted aryl.
 4. A compound of claim 3, wherein the monosubstituted aryl is halogen substituted phenyl.
 5. A compound of claim 4, selected from the group consisting of 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide, 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-benzamide, 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2-fluoro-benzyl)-benzamide, 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-thiophen-2-ylmethyl-benzamide, 4-Chloro-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-benzamide, 4-Chloro-N-(3-chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide and 4-Chloro-N-(2-chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide.
 6. A compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is methoxy substituted phenyl and R⁴ is halogen substituted phenyl.
 7. A compound of claim 6, selected from the group consisting of N-[(3-Chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-N-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-4-methoxy-benzamide and N-(3-Chloro-benzyl)-N-[(3-chloro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-4-methoxy-benzamide.
 8. A compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is halogen substituted phenyl and R⁴ is CF₃ substituted phenyl.
 9. A compound of claim 8, wherein the compound is N-(2-Chloro-benzyl)-4-fluoro-N-[(3-trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-benzamide.
 10. A compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is heteroaryl.
 11. A compounds of claim 10, wherein R¹ is benzothiophenyl.
 12. A compound of claim 11, selected from the group consisting of Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-benzyl)-[(3-trifluoromethyl-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-amide, Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (2-chloro-benzyl)-[(3-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-amide, Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-[(3-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-amide, Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(2,6-difluoro-benzyl)-amide, Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(2,3-difluoro-benzyl)-amide and Benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxylic acid [(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-(3,5-difluoro-benzyl)-amide.
 13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I

wherein R¹ is lower alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are optionally substituted by halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, lower alkyl substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy substituted by halogen, cyano, amino, di-lower alkyl amino or morpholinyl; R² is lower alkyl, —(CH₂)_(n)-aryl, —(CH₂)_(n)-heteroaryl or —(CH₂)_(n)-cycloalkyl, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, lower alkyl, cyano, and lower alkoxy, R³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R⁴ is aryl or heteroaryl, wherein aryl and heteroaryl are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, lower alkyl substituted by halogen, lower alkoxy substituted by halogen, and lower alkyl; X is a bond or —OCH₂—; and n is 0, 1 or 2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, with the exception of 4-methoxy-N-[2-oxo-2-(phenylamino)ethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-[2-[5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-benzamide, 4-methyl-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide, N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-methyl-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide and N-[2-[(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-benzeneacetamide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of 4-methoxy-N-[2-oxo-2-(phenylamino)ethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-[2-[5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-benzamide, 4-methyl-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide, N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-methyl-N-[2-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-phenyl-benzamide, 4-chloro-N-(2-oxo-2-[(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)amino]ethyl]-N-benzamide and N-[2-[(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl]-N-[(2-fluorophenyl)methyl]-benzeneacetamide; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 